Many people have powerful memories of a cherished family pet. Cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, and a wide variety of other animals can enhance our lives, and even, in some situations, become close companions. Quality of life and symptom management for people who have hearing loss can also be improved by having a pet buddy.
In some cases, pets bring these benefits because they have been specially trained to do so. Particular jobs or specific kinds of help can be performed by these animals which are trained to provide help to individuals with hearing loss. Sometimes, though, that isn’t the situation. Even a common animal companion with no special training can provide comfort and companionship. That’s why, in many instances, people with hearing loss and their animal companions develop a special and unique connection.
Is having a pet good for mental health?
With hearing loss, it can be hard to hear and make out what people are saying, which can feel really isolating. Communication becomes fraught and, as a result, you may spend less time socializing with others.
So, is having a pet helpful? Absolutely! A dog, cat, or other companionable animal can communicate in lots of of non-verbal ways. And while clear communication is essential with animals, it does not depend on verbal language. When somebody has hearing loss, it can be a very lonely time, and being able to connect with an animal friend can provide emotional support and comfort.
This does not replace human-to-human social contact, of course. But it can offer some solace and support when making other connections can be difficult. Also, pets can give you more opportunities to make connections with other humans. Bringing your dog to the dog park, for example, can give you an opportunity to be around other people, even if you don’t necessarily initiate a conversation or make a new friend.
Pets can give aid
Service dogs, as an example, utilize specialized training to help their humans get around the world more safely. Individuals with hearing loss will often fail to hear essential sounds around them and service animals are specifically trained to pay attention to those sounds and to provide assistance to their human.
Here are some things that a service dog can do for somebody with hearing loss:
- Detecting hazardous sounds like oncoming traffic.
- Letting their human know that the smoke alarm is sounding.
- Recognizing when somebody speaks their human’s name or otherwise talks to their human is also something service dogs can be trained to do. This can help people with hearing loss better engage in communication.
- Detecting a knock at the door or a ringing doorbell.
- Alerting their human to everyday sounds like a phone ringing, alarm clock, or a screeching teakettle.
Service animals are specifically trained to notice these sounds and communicate them to their human. But other non-service animals can also be useful to somebody with hearing loss. Even a dog with no training will often bark when someone rings the doorbell or knocks on the door. Cats and other animals will also often react to abrupt or unfamiliar sounds which their owner will recognize if they are tuned in to their pet.
A symbiotic relationship
Pets can add many benefits to your life without you even realizing it. They will instantly add a degree of structure to your daily life. They must get fed, walked, and given affection on a regular basis, for instance. A structured life like this can be really comforting. It’s one reason why many types of animal-assisted therapy types exist.
But it’s essential to be thoughtful if you’re thinking about getting a pet or a service animal. You will need to be able to take proper care of the animal you choose and you will want one that will meet your needs.
While a service animal can be a great help, they aren’t capable of providing the same level of long-term benefits or the same capabilities as a hearing aid. Pets can, however, be great companions and can enhance your overall quality of life. They can be a unique and valuable part of their life.
Call us today for an assessment and begin moving toward better hearing!